Hamilton proclaims former team resurgence 'warms my heart'

Lewis Hamilton has stated the resurgence in on-track performance from the McLaren Formula 1 team “warms my heart”.

McLaren slipped back in the pecking order when F1 switched to turbo-hybrid regulations in 2014 and found itself competing in the midfield for several years.

Its form of late has seen it rocket to the front of the field and challenging for race victories, with Lando Norris securing his maiden win in Miami earlier this month.

Norris has asserted he is “100 per cent” confident the Woking-based squad can challenge for the world championship in 2025.

Hamilton, who raced for McLaren from 2007 to 2012, praised his former squad for its form recovery.

"I think he [Norris] is doing a great job," said the Mercedes driver. "Oscar [Piastri] is also doing a really great job as well. 

“He's just been unlucky in the last couple of races. So excited to see both of them, and how they both progress, but mostly also for McLaren, to see them back up there. 

“It warms my heart because I was there for such a long time and they gave me my break. So it's cool.

“I hope we can get closer as well, I think they [McLaren] also have just shown that you can close the gap and you can catch up if the job's done right. It's inspired us all to get on it.”

Final win for Mercedes 'not realistic'

Hamilton and Mercedes have struggled for consistent competitive pace across the last two years, with the seven-time world champion's last race victory coming in late 2021.

The 39-year-old will depart Mercedes at the end of the season to join Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc.

When asked if a race win this year is a realistic possibility, Hamilton replied: “That's what we're working towards, but it’s not realistic. I don't know how the year is going to evolve. 

“If others plateau and don’t develop and we continue to develop, or if they develop at the same rate as us. 

“I really have no idea but what I can say is we’re continuing to push. 

“I haven’t got a crystal ball so I have no idea how the year going to end but in terms of how we are working together and how we are continuing to stay focused and motivated, I think that's that's inspiring.”